First use of ¹⁸F‐labeled ML‐10 PET to assess apoptosis change in a newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme patient before and early after therapy

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The authors present the first use of the novel positron emission tomography ( PET ) apoptosis tracer 18 F‐labeled 2‐(5‐fluoro‐pentyl)‐2‐methyl‐malonic acid ( 18 F‐ ML ‐10) for early‐therapy response assessment of a newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme ( GBM ) patient. Case report A 71‐year‐old male with a newly diagnosed GBM received 18 F‐ ML ‐10 PET scans prior to therapy initiation (baseline) and after completing 3 weeks of whole‐brain radiation therapy with concomitant temozolomide chemotherapy (early‐therapy assessment, ETA ). The baseline 18 F‐ ML ‐10 PET scan showed increased tracer uptake at the site of the GBM , with highest activity toward the central portion of the tumor. At the ETA time point, a new distribution of tracer uptake was observed compared to baseline. Normalized pixel‐by‐pixel subtraction of baseline from ETA was used to quantify change in tracer distribution between 18 F‐ ML ‐10 PET imaging time points. Results of this analysis showed reduction in 18 F‐ ML ‐10 uptake at the site of greatest baseline uptake, but increased uptake around the periphery of the tumor at the early‐therapy time point. Conclusion The changing patterns of 18 F‐ ML ‐10 uptake between baseline and ETA are suggestive for therapy‐induced tumor cellular apoptosis.